3 Homes With Ballrooms (That You Won't Get For A Song): How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — Grand ballrooms with gleaming hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings anchored by fancy chandeliers, and elaborate moldings and fireplace mantels are enjoying a comeback.

Wealthy families considered ballrooms an essential part of the house in the antebellum era, when balls were the principal way young couples met and courted, or found their entry into society. Before the aristocracy began building houses, most ballroom dancing occurred in public halls, but they had fallen out of favor by the 1840s. Hosting a ball was a sign of a society matron’s “arrival,” according to a history of ballrooms in America.

The pendulum swung back, and the elaborate ballrooms gave way to generously sized parlors and large dining rooms. A house with a ballroom is a rare commodity. This week in How Much House, we’re featuring three such homes in the District of Columbia, Georgia and Virginia.

2507 Foxhall Road NW, WashingtonListed by: Sammy Elmohtaseb | Keller Williams Realty-ArlingtonSquare feet: 14,113Acreage: .75 acreBedrooms: 9Bathrooms: 14 (8 full)Year built: 2012

Grand parties are a given at this 24K gold-infused Mediterranean-style mansion located in the tony Berkey neighborhood, where nearby historically significant properties include the Nelson Rockefeller Estate and the grandiose Belgian Residence. The nearby Kreeger Museum, which has a vast collection of works by distinguished European and American artists, adds cultural richness to the neighborhood.

This property, built by renowned Gibson Builders and designed by the esteemed GTM architects, holds its own. Besides the grand ballroom, it has three state-of-the-art kitchens, a wine cellar and a sauna, as well as a pool and various terraces sprawled across the property.

The upper levels are home to an exquisite primary suite with separate sitting areas, a balcony, opulent his-and-hers bathrooms and walk-in closets. Additional bedrooms, bathrooms and a laundry are also found on the upper levels.

The lower levels house a plush family room, a second formal dining room with 24K gold inlays, a catering kitchen, a wine cellar and access to a four-car garage.

The lowest level features a regal club room, a home gym, a sauna and a restaurant-grade kitchen. It provides access to the terrace and pool. Peek inside for more photos.

5326 Presley Place, DouglasvilleListed by: Eric Kirton | Lila Delman CompassSquare feet: 18,500Acreage: 4.84 acresBedrooms: 7Bathrooms: 9 (7 full)Year built: 1988

The ballroom in this resort-style showplace has seating for 100 people, but will easily accommodate gatherings of 200 or more. Overall, the estate has space enough to host 1,000 guests. It includes a full wet bar/buffet, a stage area for a band or DJ and a billiard room. The estate has four full chef’s kitchens and two outdoor kitchens.

This ultimate entertaining venue has parking room for 100 vehicles. Guests won’t lack for things to do with a heated salt-water pool and spa, a tennis court, two volleyball courts, a 19-hole putting green, several gazebos, and oversized marble balconies that make perfect conversation areas. The custom-designed home theater was recognized as one of the top home theaters in the world, and the full gym includes top-of-the-line workout equipment and a sauna. The seven-bay garage opens on both sides to create even more entertainment space.

The main house has an elevator to help guests navigate through the multiple entertainment, recreation and living spaces of this luxury home with exquisite attention to detail. Furnishings are included. A separate apartment has a full kitchen, bedroom and full bath, laundry and living room. A balcony overlooks the pool. Peek inside for more photos.

307 Amelia St., FredericksburgListed by: Evan Sullivan | Coldwell Banker EliteSquare feet: 9,320Acreage: .46 acreBedrooms: 6Bathrooms: 7 (6 full)Year built: 1834

Known as Smithsonia, this stunning, four-columned historic mansion’s main floor opens to a grand entryway with an enormous ballroom to the left and a formal dining room with a fireplace to the right.

The home was recently upgraded, but historically important details like wood beam ceilings in the lower level kitchen were retained while adding custom cabinetry, a marble-topped island and countertops, a gas log fireplace, a walk-in pantry, an off-kitchen sitting and dining area, and top-line appliances. It’s one of two luxury kitchens in the house.

The home has six large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The primary suite uses an entire extra room as a closet and dressing area with a built-in island. There are two other built-in closets. The ensuite bath has a soaking tub, his-and-her sinks and a glassed-in shower.

A large downstairs recreation area is a perfect place to hang out with the family and friends.

Outside are, a gorgeous fountain on one side of the house and solarium on the opposite side, a long pergola separating the driveway and yard, a gazebo in the back, a brick patio and walkways, and a brick wall that surrounds the home.

Other features include an elevator servicing three levels, five fireplaces, and the original staircase. Wood floors are found throughout the home that features soaring ceilings and window shutters. Peek inside for more photos.